21/12/12 - Tenacious

During the previous voyage , Tenacious left Ireland on 16th December after a crew change with the exception of Second Mate and Bosun. Adam and Bill remained as Voyage Crew as Tenacious headed south, destination Lisbon.  Fair weather until Finnistere, with a rough crossing to Lisbon.
A two night mooring in Lisbon allowed new voyage crew to join the ship and several crew visited the beautiful Capital of Portugal.
As crew numbers are fewer than hoped for three watches instead of four must take on watch duties day and night, each duty being of four hours duration.  The night-time duties are difficult for new-comers but no problem for the old hands, many of whom have done several voyages with Tenacious and Lord Nelson.
Wednesday 19 December brought the beginning of the voyage to Majorca, heading firstly towards the Straits of Gibraltar.  Before sailing various sailing instructions and safety procedures were delivered by the First Mate and many crew had the opportunity to climb the rigging; quite a challenge for some of us, but all safely reached the first platform and had a bird’s eye view of the city of Lisbon.
Watch Teams were formed and watch hours delegated as we sailed out to sea along the River Teju with a River Pilot aboard.
More instructions from the First Mate resulted in team work heaving round the yard arms and securing the many ropes necessary for adjusting the sails to match wind conditions.                           The night watch brought the added bonus of a clear sighting of Orion – looking up through the rigging the constellation was clear and magical.  Later, unfortunately rain arrived and the night watch donned full oilskins and braved the rain.
The ship arrived in Gibraltar around 09:00 GMT after a two day motor from Lisbon. The weather is improving, with mostly sunshine and light winds. Took on fuel (duty free) and moved to a berth slightly more north. Some of us did the tour of the sights of Gibraltar, including the rock, the caves and Pillars of Hercules and of course meeting/avoiding the Barbary apes. Ship’s clock was advanced by 1 hour. It’s now just after 23:00 BST and we are now at harbour watch. Still a few ashore. Planning on a morning departure heading  towards Cartagena, hoping to arrive Christmas Eve. Clear night sky. Temperature around 10 degrees.
Forward Starboard watch